How to Make a Slit in a Dress

Let's face it, long dresses are beautiful and fashionable, but they can get hot and stuffy when it's warm outside. Add a tasteful slit to a maxi dress or floor-length skirt to create a little bit of sex appeal, show off your cute shoes and stay cool in the hot summer months.

(Image: Beth Huntington )

Things You'll Need

Measuring tape

Washable marking pen

Sharp scissors

Iron and ironing board

Pins

Sewing machine with a universal 90/14 needle

The dress before making a slit. (Image: Beth Huntington)

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Step 1: Measure the Slit

Put the dress on and have a friend measure from the bottom of the dress to where you'd like the slit to start. Mark this location with a washable marking pen. You could also lay the dress flat or use a dress form.

Measure and mark the slit location on the dress. (Image: Beth Huntington)

Step 2: Mark the Slit

Before you cut the slit, look for the grain of the fabric. The grain line runs parallel with the selvage edges of the fabric. You will actually see these lines in the fabric if you look closely. Place a straight edge along the grain line and use a washable marker to draw a cutting line from the hem of the dress to the place you'd like the slit to start.

Look for the grain of the fabric. (Image: Beth Huntington)

Step 3: Cut the Slit

Start at the bottom of the dress and cut along your cutting line with a sharp pair of scissors.

Cut the new slit. (Image: Beth Huntington)

Step 4: Press the Edges

Fold the raw edges over a 1/4 inch twice on each side of the slit. Press with a hot iron.

Press the raw edges over twice. (Image: Beth Huntington)

Step 5: Pin the Edges

Pin the folds in place.

Pin the folds. (Image: Beth Huntington)

Step 6: Sew the Edges

Use a universal 90/14 needle in your sewing machine and sew the folded edges. Be sure to remove the pins as you sew.

Sew the pressed folds to hem the raw edges. (Image: Beth Huntington)

And that's it. Try this technique with one off-center slit or two even side slits for a completely different look. Stay cool!

How to make a slit in a dress. (Image: Beth Huntington)After picture of the dress slit. (Image: Beth Huntington)